One of the most common “Three Most Important Things” that Caris hears from patients is family. The Murfreesboro team recently demonstrated a powerful example of honoring this value.

A patient under the team’s care had just lost his wife unexpectedly. She had been his primary caregiver, and they had shared 63 years of marriage. Following her passing, the family made the difficult decision to move him into an assisted living facility. On the day of the move, the patient became deeply distressed.

Morgan Head (Administrator), Bailey Gray (Director of Nursing), and Traci West (Volunteer Coordinator) each took time to sit with him, listening and offering comfort. He shared his grief—not only over losing his wife but also his independence. He spoke tenderly of how she used to prepare cake and milk for him every night before bed, with lemon cake being his favorite.

He also said that only his clothes and toiletries had been brought to his new “apartment.” Through tears, he said, “My wife was left at home.” The team quickly realized that his wife’s urn and the cherished photo that hung above his recliner had not been brought along.

The team found a photo of his wife, ordered a printed copy, and contacted the family to ensure her urn would be brought to his new home. They didn’t forget the lemon cake either, it was delivered via DoorDash, along with a glass of milk.

That evening, the team gathered with him to play games, journal, and reminisce. He shared stories and favorite memories of his beloved wife. Meanwhile, Jessica, our social worker, worked to arrange private caregivers at the assisted living facility to provide additional support and comfort during this transition.

Once the photo arrived, our patient visibly relaxed. Surrounded by the things—and people—that mattered most, he began to settle in his new home. He now lovingly refers to the Caris team as “the most beautiful angels my wife sent to care for me.”

Our teams are honored to be part of these moments. We are proud to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our patients, and we understand that the little things like lemon cake make all the difference.